"It was all along of a fine lady, doctor, that Haidee is holding a secret against, and getting lots of money from on account of it, which she refuses to share, either the money or the secret, with her poor old husband." "Who is the lady, and what secret have you got against her?" inquired Doctor Pratt, looking sternly at her. "It is no concern of yours, doctor," was the sullen reply. "Her name was Mrs. Vance," said Peter, taking a malicious joy in circumventing old Haidee. "Good Heavens," said Doctor Pratt, remembering how incautiously he had talked to Colville about the widow in Haidee's presence. "Why, you she-devil, is it possible you have been trading upon the suspicions you heard me breathe about the woman?" The old witch would not answer, but Peter, taking on himself the role of spokesman, replied for her: "I can't tell you where she got suspicions or her information, sir, but she has certainly made a good bit by her knowledge, for she has gathered in all the lady's money, and now begins to strip her of her jewels. Fine ladies don't part with things like these until all their money has gone the same gait," said he, holding up the brooch and the jeweled serpent whose emerald eyes glared like living ones. "It's a lie--I've only had money of her once," said old Haidee fiercely. "She is a poor woman, and has nothing to pay with." "How did you gain your information, Peter, if, as you say, your wife would not share her secret with you?" inquired Doctor Pratt, trembling with rage against Haidee. "The lady followed her home to-day to make arrangements for coming here the next time to pay another installment of hush-money. Haidee had been going there on some pretext of peddling lace, I think, but the lady was afraid to have her come to her house again, and promised to meet her here." "My God!" said the physician, growing white with fear and rage. "Mrs. Vance here--in this house only to-day. Haidee, you shall repent this!" "I have not betrayed any of your secrets, doctor--I was only making a little money for myself, and no harm done," said the old witch, beginning to grow apologetic. "No matter, you must never go there again, nor suffer her to come here. If you do I swear I will murder you! Do you understand me?" "Yes, sir," was the sulky answer. "And you promise to do as I bid you?" "I promise." "Very well, then. See that you keep your word. And you, Peter, let me know if she dares to disobey my injunction. And let the matter rest also yourself. If either of you approach Mrs. Vance again, I swear you shall pay a heavy penalty for your temerity!" "Your prisoner, Haidee--is she safe?" inquired Harold Colville, growing impatient of the delay. "She is, sir," was the answer. "The key then--we wish to visit her," said Colville; whereupon he and Doctor Pratt both arose and made their way to Lily's room. CHAPTER XIX.